This 1888 Design is a:
One of a Kind
Reimagined Components: A hand-found, cleaned, cut, shaped, and polished section of a cow bone that we collected in the desert, just a mile or so from the boarder of Mexico. We hung this small triangle section of desert magic by a 24'' gun-metal plated rounded box chain.
Components Found in: Bisbee AZ
~Claws, Teeth, Bones~
Across the human story, claws, teeth, and bones have traditionally been worn to showcase a variety of things. One’s hunting prowess, social standing, medicinal knowledge, or place of origin could be assessed before a single word was spoken during an interaction. Nowadays, the wearing of these materials has become mostly symbolic. We’d like to think of wearing these materials as a form of respect paid to the animals for their contributions to our world.
~Cow~
As Ali and I travel we pay close attention to the animals that cross our path, and the cow has been showing up for us frequently. Recently, we were camping on public lands with cows grazing all around us as we slept. In the morning one fuzzy brown cow gifted us with its curiosity and even though all of its cow friends seemed too skiddish to get close, it broke rank and slowly inched its way into our camp. Ali stretched her hand out many times asking “Bessy” to join us and for the next hour we simply existed with this beautiful creature.
This year on Easter morning Ali and I went for a walk around our campsite near Payson AZ and came across the entire Skeleton of a cow. We said a few words of respect and then harvested its skull and a few other bones to use in our jewelry.
In Bisbee Arizona on a sunset hike, we came across the half-buried skeleton of a cow. We again gave thanks and took just one leg bone that day for use. It is from that bone we made our very first bovine beads.
My first job was working for a beef farmer in Vermont. I recall the bulls snorting in the cold morning air. Their long horns like great dawn sabers. The bulls seemed ever ready, stoic, immovable, yet simultaneously gave an ineffable assurance that it had the great beating heart of a gentle giant. They were kindly protective with their hearts resonating a low steady rhythm to the pasture below, the sky above and the herd to each side. Let us never forget the respect that such animals deserve for their gifts and sacrifices to humankind.
Generally speaking, it’s thought that the cow represents patience and possibility. It is thought to be a symbol of growth and nurturing, and much like the deer, it is a positive symbol for one's life.
DISCLAIMER: Any and all animal specimens that we use in our designs are ethically sourced, either found in nature predeceased by natural causes or sourced from an ethical handler. WE NEVER HARM OR KILL ANIMALS FOR THE SAKE OF OUR ART. The purpose of including animal remains in our designs is to honor the animal's being and speak upon the lessons they teach us in life.
After each artifact or specimen has been discovered it is sent through a careful restoration process before being used in a design. If a particularly unique patina is found to add design value to an artifact, it's preserved & sealed to ensure its longevity & protection.
1888 Design
Upcycled Jewelry
Vintage // Antique // Reimagined
-Nathan & Ali
